Multi-part access covers can be spotted in busy metropolitan cities, commercial areas as well as industrial spaces. These are engineered to offer seamless access to underground service chambers. The importance of these covers are increasingly becoming more and more prominent– as the commercial and industrial sectors expand across the globe. With several casting product manufacturers in the market, what are the things you should keep in mind before choosing access covers?  

Knowing Multi Part Access Covers

Multi part covers differ from regular access covers in terms of design and ease of use. Unlike regular access covers, multipart covers are divided into separate rows of covers to be accessed with ease. Access covers are utilised in domestic, industrial and commercial purposes. Underground stormwater drains, sewers, openings to electrical wirings and cable/junction boxes. 

Things to Consider Before Choosing Multipart Access Covers

Multi part access covers today are available in several shapes, designs and applications. The variety of covers depend on the part they play in access operations. Below are certain things to consider before you choose access covers. 

• The Purpose/ Application

Access covers are typically used in docks, airports, shopping malls, parking lots among others. Although the primary function may not vary, access covers are likely to be different in those sectors. Cast iron, ductile iron and aluminium are among the commonly used materials. Since these materials have unique durability and application thresholds, they generally have their own areas of usage. As a result, knowing the application is important. For instance, aluminium access covers are ideal for streets and alleyways which do not require withstanding a lot of load. 

• The Opening Dimensions

Another important factor to consider is to know the dimensions of the application. Access covers are available in several sizes and configurations. Therefore, measuring the width along the length as well as diagonally are essential. The exact dimensions allow to build the appropriate cover, without any gaps or spaces between the lid and the frame. 

• The Load Class

As mentioned earlier, the positioning and the area of application are critical to choosing an access cover. The amount of load an access cover can withstand has to be taken into account, before placing a cover on an opening in the ground. For example, if the location gets frequented by pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, a medium to heavy-duty access cover is appropriate. Ductile iron multi part access covers often range from A15 (1.5 tonnes) to F900 (90 tonnes) – ensuring a broad range of load classes. For commercial and industrial properties like shopping malls, airports and docks– heavy duty access covers are ideal. 

Recommended Reading – Why Access Covers And Drainage Solutions Are Essential For Airports

• The Chamber Underneath

The choice of a multipart access cover also relies on the chamber underneath. Access covers offer concealment to a variety of issues, including drainage systems and maintenance chambers. If the contents within are prone to damage, the cover must be resistant to water and moisture. On the other hand, things will be different if the chamber underneath gives access to sewer systems.  

• The Orientation of The Cover

Some access points are only permitted to be used by authorised personnel. Such cover orientations may require certain locking or bolting systems that can be opened by such personnel only. Sometimes, when the access points are too vast or spread over a large area, it may be one, two or more parts. Multi part access covers are then required for easy and safe access to such drainage or access points. Besides the lifting mechanism, the covers must be positioned to prevent any lapse between the cover and the surrounding surface, walls, and kerbs. 

• The Security

Security is one of the most important points to consider when looking for access covers. Since access covers conceal large underground openings, it needs to be safe and secure. This is particularly important to avoid accidents and other debris to fall into the openings or chamber. The extent of security also depends on the components inside. Choose designs with locking/sealing mechanisms if the components underneath are potential hazards to life and property.

• The Design

Considering the aesthetics of access covers today is equally important. Particularly true for applications in commercial spaces, the appearance of multipart covers are essential for a decorative finish. Several top access cover suppliers in India offer recessed and patterned access covers to cater to the ongoing need of visually pleasing multi part access covers.

Besides enhanced functionality and overall appearance, multi leaf access covers are designed to make underground access more efficient in terms of efficiency and labour. With a range of designs and load ratings ((D400, E600 and F900), Crescent Foundry offers EN or ASTM standard multi part access covers. Lightweight and sturdy with detachable options, these covers are suitable for intensive industrial applications.